18 March 2007

Cycling Projects in Coventry

Sustrans is bidding for £43 million to fund cycling schemes across the country. Sustrans is entertaining 100 proposals from around the country, which they will narrow down to 50, should they receive the Lottery money.

Coventry City Council has put forward a proposal for a £1 million off-road cycle route plan, as part of the 100 being considered by Sustrans.

It would link Wood End with the Ricoh Arena, the Arena retail park and Prologis Park to enable people to cycle to work safely.

It's a great idea. The Green Party is in favour of more on-road cycling (reducing driver speeds to make it safer for everyone to cycle), but I wouldn't say no to this.

Kevin Foster (Con-Cheylesmore) says the plan would "break barriers to people of all ages enjoying a more healthy and environmentally friendly means of transport" and it's about "helping people from some our most deprived communities to access a job."

If so, why isn't it a priority for the council as part of its direct spending?

Investment in low-emissions public transport in Coventry shouldn't rely on Sustrans spinning the wheel as part of a televised vote, and then maybe, picking our plan as part of their 50.